MLB.com: Concepcion makes trip to see Santana

One of the most popular players to come out of Venezuela, Dave Concepcion, flew in from his native country specifically to see Santana’s debut as a Met. Andres Galarraga was also in attendance.

The former shortstop on Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine of the 1970s, Concepcion decided to make the trip to Miami to see Santana a few weeks ago. Once it became evident that Santana was going to face the Marlins in the season opener at Dolphin Stadium, Concepcion booked his flight to Florida.
...
“I believe he has a good opportunity because he is playing in the National League,” Concepcion said. “You don’t play the same way in the National League as the American League. In the National League, you have to hit, you have to bunt. You have to run. I guess he can pitch better because he has to pitch only to eight good hitters.”
...
“Today he didn’t throw as hard as he used to,” Concepcion said. “Maybe it is because it is his first game. He usually throws 92-93 mph.”